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MePa mensch Steve Hanson was able to turn around the Hog Pit in record time from its first arrival on the community board agenda until its official opening tonight (friends and family last night). But what's even more remarkable is how fast some of the city's burger experts got on board with his new 9th Avenue joint, Bill's Bar & Burger. At last week's New York City Wine and Food Festival, Hanson had an open house of sorts, offering burger samples for anyone brazen enough to saunter in, including The Feedbag's Josh Ozersky, AHT's Nick Solares, a pair of Eater operatives, Lure's Josh Capon, and Daniel Boulud—who by the way, walked right into the kitchen, praised the burger, and offered some tips.

From that sneak peek, Ozersky has declared it the best burger in the city. Meanwhile, a preview lunch yesterday led burger expert Adam Kuban to leave with almost the same assertion: "You simply can't declare that after one very controlled advance tasting, but it's damn, damn fine." An early civilian commenter seems to agree. If they can keep up the quality while serving the nightly MePa hordes, there could be a Shake Shack style gamechanger in the cards. Go, report back, and until then, see the menu below and burger porn here.

Bill’s Classic 5.50
On a Toasted Sesame Bun served with Lettuce, Tomato, and Pickles on the side

The Sunset and Vine 5.95
Bill’s Classic with Cheese topped with Lettuce, Tomato and Special Sauce

Bill’s Classic with American Cheese 5.95
Served with Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles on the side